Longview Auto Repair

If you are experiencing pulling in one direction or vibrations, a tire service professional can conduct an alignment to ensure that your car is properly aligned.  Tire or wheel alignment can help your tires last longer and improve handling. Hitting a curb or pothole can throw your vehicle out of alignment and damage your tires. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected.  When your vehicle is properly aligned, it not only results in extended tire life, but also better fuel economy and a safer ride. Why does Alignment Matter?1. Tire Life. Improper alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely.  It's ideal to have your vehicle aligned to catch and correct misalignment issues before you experience undue tread wear.  Alignments help you get full mileage out of your tires! 2. Safe Ride.  Poor alignment can lead to your vehicle p ... read more

You’re on a long road trip, and a wave of fatigue hits you like a sack of bricks. You blast the A/C to wake you up, but the cold air reminds you of the peaceful hum of the fan you sleep under at home. There isn’t any rest stop. With a few restaurants several miles ahead, you consider pulling over for a quick cat nap. There currently aren’t any nationwide laws that make sleeping in your car illegal, but you can suffer some extreme consequences depending on where you are. Car cat nap regulations are left up to each state. Sometimes a city may have specific laws in place to prevent dozing off in your car. No matter how many extra preparations we make, getting tired or fatigue is a normal phenomenon. There isn’t enough coffee in the world that can substitute a decent amount of sleep. If you don’t have expressed permission to sleep on private property (outside of your own), many cities have options. There are rest areas, campgrounds, 24-hour retailers, and tru ... read more

In order to have the smoothest, most comfortable ride and long lasting tire performance, your tires and vehicle need to be maintained. Find out how to ensure your safety on the road by inspecting, caring for, and maintaining your tire inflation pressure, alignment, tire tread, and tire rotation. Why are these important?1. Tire inflation pressure. Improper tire inflation can lead to uneven tire wear. Over inflation can cause the center of your tire to wear. Under inflation can cause the edges of your tire ro wear.  Your owner's manual or door jamb for your vehicle will show the correct tire pressure. Check your tire pressure using a tire gauge every month. 2. Alignment. Improper alignment can also lead to uneven tire wear. Unusual wear patterns include heel/toe wear, feather edge wear, or one-sided shoulder wear. A professional can check your alignment. 3. Tire Tread. Well-worn or bald tires can cause hydr ... read more

Proper tire inflation pressure in your tires is important. Your tires can wear unevenly or even fail if underinflated.  The inflation of your tires can't be assessed just by looking at them; tires that look fine may be low by as much as 50 percent. Your vehicle's owner's manual states the proper inflation pressure at which your tires should be set. Some vehicles also state this information on a label on the driver's side door jamb, glove box or fuel door. The pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum pressure allowed for the tire and is not the normal tire pressure for your vehicle. How to Check & Adjust Your Tire Pressure 1. First, look for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. Also, you will need a tire pressure gauge. 2. Make sure your tires are cool. Tire inflation pressure can increase when tires are hot. 3. Remove the cap from the valve on the tire. 4. Apply tire pressure gauge to valve. Read value from gau ... read more

Winter’s unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your car. But quitting driving until the end of winter isn’t an option. Instead, let’s take a look at four of the most common cold-weather problems and some simple solutions to help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Low Tire Pressure If, after a bit of cold weather, your low tire pressure light blinks on or you notice your tires look deflated – that temperature drop is very likely the culprit. Don’t worry; your tire’s air isn’t escaping through a leak or faulty valve. It just means that the air inside the tire condenses when it’s cold, taking up less space. Tire pressure decreases about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) every 10 degrees the temperature falls. Signs of low tire pressure: The tire looks deflated or the sidewall is bulging The steering and tread feel off or uneven The car’s fuel economy reduces When the temperatures outside start dropping, check your ... read more